Best Brenda Murrow, Ph.D Podcasts (2025)

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43. The Psychology of Appeasement: What Dogs Teach Us About Connection 21:01

4d ago21:01

21:01

In this episode of the Connection Therapy Podcast, Dr. Brenda Murrow explores how understanding animal behavior—especially in dogs—can deepen our insight into human communication and relationships. Dr. Murrow reflects on her own experience learning French and how it made her more aware of cultural nuances in language—particularly terms of endearmen…

1
42. Observing Eye Contact in Dogs for Better Connection 14:44

11d ago14:44

14:44

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on what helps us feel seen, safe, and connected. And sometimes, the most powerful connection doesn’t need words at all. It begins with eye contact. In this episode, Brenda reflects on the power of eye contact and what it tells us about connection, safety, and trust—both in our relationships wit…

1
41. Art and Science Combined for Better Mental Health Practice 17:02

18d ago17:02

17:02

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 children experience mental health challenges each year. And, 122 million people live in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals, highlighting a critical gap in care. This is why Brenda is passionate about podcasting on mental health—both to raise…

1
40. Insights from Research That Transform Therapy Practice 30:13

25d ago30:13

30:13

In this episode, Brenda takes a step back to reflect on several of her recent research-based episodes—and how what she’s learned is continuing to shape the way she practices. Revisiting past studies has helped her see just how much of what we do in the therapy room is grounded in awareness, relationship, and presence. Across these episodes, one the…

1
39. The Research on Mimicking and Connection 15:36

1M ago15:36

15:36

There are so many things that influence a therapy session—and not all of them are spoken. In this episode, Brenda is continuing the exploration into the less obvious dynamics that shape the therapeutic relationship. Encouragement, presence, attunement—they’re all part of the work. But there are also layers we don’t always consciously notice. One of…

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38. Increasing Alignment in the Therapy Room: Ways to Make Sense of Differences Between Statements and Nonverbal Signals 15:12

1M ago15:12

15:12

In therapy, we often listen closely to what’s being said—but what’s not being said can sometimes offer even more insight. A client may describe their week as “fine” or say they’re “managing,” but their body is heavy, their eyes are downcast, and their facial expressions suggest something else entirely. This kind of misalignment—between verbal langu…

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37. Strengthening Relationship Patterns Through Disruption and Repair 24:04

2M ago24:04

24:04

In today’s episode, Brenda explores how relationships—whether with clients in our professional lives or in our personal lives—are strengthened not by perfection, but by disruption and repair. Drawing from Beebe and Lachmann’s 1994 paper, she explains how the concept of a "good enough therapist" and the ability to repair mistakes is essential in bui…

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36. How Animals Detect Human Nervous System States Through Scent 17:06

2M ago17:06

17:06

Brenda has often shrugged off the question, “Can horses really smell fear?” But in this episode, she takes a closer look—and the research is fascinating. When someone walks into their first equine session feeling nervous, it’s not just body language the horse is picking up on. There’s now scientific evidence that animals, including horses, can dete…

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35. Exploring Physiological Synchrony in Therapy Settings 24:53

2M ago24:53

24:53

By exploring the latest research on how our nervous systems interact—whether between humans or across species—Brenda aims to provide therapists with the knowledge to deepen their connections with clients and improve therapeutic outcomes. In recent podcast episodes, Brenda has explored how physiological interactions, both between humans and animals,…

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34. Observing Physical Reactions to Strengthen Interventions 14:45

2M ago14:45

14:45

Mental and physical health don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other in profound ways. Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress often manifest physically, whether through muscle tension, changes in posture, or even pupil dilation. But what do we do with this information as therapists? Understanding these real-time physical responses can …

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33. How Your Natural Skills as a Therapist Help Improve HRV and How to Strengthen The Impact 17:48

2M ago17:48

17:48

Heart rate variability (HRV) plays a crucial role in emotional regulation and mental health. Research shows that higher HRV is linked to improved well-being, making it an important consideration for therapists. In this episode, Brenda continues the discussion on HRV, exploring how it connects to psychotherapy and how clinicians can integrate it int…

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32. The Connection Between Horse and Human HRV—Why It’s Important 11:59

3M ago11:59

11:59

In this episode, Brenda dives into two studies about heart rate variability (HRV) in horses and humans, and how they can inform therapy practices. These studies reveal some surprising similarities between our nervous systems and those of horses, giving us new ways to think about improving therapeutic approaches. The first study, published in 2011 b…

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31. Understanding Heart Rate Variability to Improve Therapy Outcomes 20:03

3M ago20:03

20:03

Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful yet often overlooked indicators of both mental and physical health. It’s closely linked to anxiety, depression, trauma, heart disease, and more. But for therapists, HRV offers even greater value—it provides insight into whether a patient is in shutdown, stuck in fight-or-flight mode, or able …

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30. How Do We Know When Mental Health Needs Support? 15:50

3M ago15:50

15:50

Mental health is deeply personal and shaped by emotional well-being, behavioral adjustment, and the ability to handle daily life. Emotions like anxiety and depression are normal responses to challenges, but when they interfere with functioning, they may require support. The key question is: When does a normal emotional experience become a mental he…

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29. Understanding Mental Health and How Healing Begins 19:06

3M ago19:06

19:06

Mental health is a complex and essential part of our lives, but many people overlook how many ways we can improve it. Therapy is often the go-to solution, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. So, what does mental health really mean, and how can we know when we’ve made progress? This week, Brenda has been reflecting on these big questions and expl…

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28. Brenda and Kinsey Rone on the Power of Therapist Connection 20:22

4M ago20:22

20:22

Brenda and Kinsey bring their series to a close with one final episode—but this time, the tables turn. Instead of Kinsey leading the conversation, Brenda takes the opportunity to ask Kinsey a few questions about what led her to pursue psychology, her motivations, and the licensing that shaped her career. Kinsey shares how her path in mental health …

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27. More Than a Profession: Brenda’s Love for Psychology 18:50

4M ago18:50

18:50

Brenda and her colleague and friend, Kinsey Rone, LCPC, continue their conversation from last week, digging deeper into what drives Brenda’s work and the heart behind it. This isn’t just about therapy—it’s about the love for psychology that inspired the podcast and the curiosity that keeps her learning. So much of this work is about staying open. O…

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26. A Conversation with Brenda: Exploring Passion and Purpose in Therapy 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

Today’s episode is a special one. We’re switching things up as Brenda takes a seat on the other side of the conversation. Joining her is longtime friend and colleague, Kinsey Rone, a fellow mental health therapist who knows Brenda’s journey in the field firsthand. But today, Kinsey isn’t just here as a friend—she’s here to interview Brenda, giving …

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25. Aligning Intentions and Actions: Lessons from Dance Therapy 31:37

4M ago31:37

31:37

Non-verbal communication holds incredible power in therapy. In today’s episode Brenda highlights the intersection of Dance Movement Therapy and Video microanalysis, inspired by research from Rebecca Houghton and Dr. Beatrice Beebe. Together, these approaches offer new insights into movement and communication in therapeutic settings. Brenda reflects…

1
24. Exploring the Research Behind Awe Walks and Their Emotional Impact 23:09

5M ago23:09

23:09

In today’s episode, Brenda unpacks a research study that explores the profound impact of something as simple as a walk. The study focused on older adults and how engaging with awe during a walk could change their emotional and mental well-being. Participants were asked to take weekly walks and snap photos along the way—pictures of themselves and an…

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23. How Erikson’s Stage 5 Guides Therapy for Adolescents 18:14

5M ago18:14

18:14

Today, Brenda wraps up her series on Erik Erikson’s 8-stage model by focusing on Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion, a pivotal phase for adolescents aged 12-18. This stage, that Brenda often calls the "trying on coats" phase, is all about self-discovery and the search for identity. Why is this important? As Brenda explains, understanding Erikson’…

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22. Understanding and Supporting the Industry vs. Inferiority Stage in Therapy 19:07

5M ago19:07

19:07

In today’s episode, Brenda takes listeners into the 4th stage of Erikson’s model—Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage, typically between the ages of 6 and 11, is all about children figuring out their abilities and learning to feel competent. Brenda highlights how, during this stage, kids start putting in a lot of effort, but they’re also grappling …

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21. A Closer Look at Erikson’s Stage 3: Navigating Initiative vs. Guilt in Early Childhood 20:59

6M ago20:59

20:59

In this week’s episode, Brenda brings listeners into one of her favorite stages in Erikson’s eight-stage model: Stage 3, which focuses on children aged 3 to 5. This is the stage of initiative versus guilt, a time when little ones are beginning to assert their independence and explore the world in new and exciting ways. Brenda reframes the concept o…

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20. Understanding Autonomy vs. Shame: A Closer Look at Erikson’s Second Stage of Development 17:05

6M ago17:05

17:05

Brenda introduces Erikson’s second stage of development, Autonomy vs. Shame, and highlights the importance of supporting a child’s growing sense of independence. Occurring between the ages of 18 months and 3 years, this stage is a pivotal time when toddlers begin to explore their abilities and assert their own choices. At this stage, children are j…

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19. Understanding Children Through Erikson’s First Stage of Development 16:35

7M ago16:35

16:35

In today’s episode, Brenda introduces Erikson’s first stage of development, Trust vs. Mistrust, and explores how to understand a child’s world beyond direct questions. This foundational stage, typically ranging from 0-18 months old, lays the groundwork for their entire emotional and cognitive development, making it essential to tune into behaviors …

1
18. The Role of Developmental Stages in Child Therapy 25:20

7M ago25:20

25:20

In today's episode, Brenda shares her experience working with children in therapy and how understanding child development can make therapy more effective. Measuring progress with kids can be tricky, as they often can’t express how they feel or recognize changes. What may look like simple play can actually be therapeutic when approached with the rig…

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17. Social Learning and Emotional Bonds: What We Can Learn from Humans and Animals 15:11

8M ago15:11

15:11

This week, Brenda brings listeners into a research-based episode to explore the fascinating concept of social learning and emotional transference, touching on the profound ways these ideas shape our understanding of human and animal behavior. Social learning—learning through observation—goes beyond simple imitation. It's about how we absorb emotion…

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16. Transference in Therapy: How Animals Help Us Understand Non-Verbal Cues 18:46

8M ago18:46

18:46

Animals have a unique ability to signal non-verbally, reflecting our internal emotional states. By learning to interpret these signals, therapists can enhance their effectiveness and deepen their understanding of clients. In today’s episode Brenda highlights transference—the phenomenon where feelings about one person are unconsciously redirected to…

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15. Using Non-Verbal Communication and Animal-Assisted Therapy to Enhance Patient Care 26:26

9M ago26:26

26:26

In today’s episode, Brenda dives into two compelling areas of therapy: the role of projections and non-verbal communication, and the evolving field of animal-assisted therapy. This dual focus provides valuable insights into how therapists can better understand and diagnose their patients. Brenda starts by exploring projections—those non-verbal beha…

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14. Understanding and Managing Negative Projections in Child Therapy 24:25

9M ago24:25

24:25

Projections are a powerful dynamic in therapy, revealing the hidden emotions and thoughts that children might not even be aware they're expressing. While much attention is given to positive projections, today, Brenda is shifting the focus to the negative ones. Negative projections are spontaneous and often unconscious, making them challenging to re…

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13. Spotting and Responding to Positive Projections in Child Therapy 18:54

10M ago18:54

18:54

Brenda has introduced us to the concept of projections, both positive and negative, and how they appear in our interactions with clients. These projections, especially the positive ones, can be subtle and challenging to identify, yet they play a crucial role in the therapeutic process. Today, Brenda is focusing on positive projections and how they …

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12. Understanding and Reflecting on Projections in Therapy with Children 26:57

10M ago26:57

26:57

Children often project their feelings, both positive and negative, onto others as a way to express emotions they cannot fully articulate. These projections are a normal part of development and can provide valuable insights into a child's inner world. In today’s exploration episode, Brenda shares her findings from her research project on how the chi…

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11. Recognizing Eye Movement Patterns to Improve Treatment Effectiveness in Equine Assisted Services: Understanding the Initial Encounter 27:23

11M ago27:23

27:23

The first interaction with a horse can be a profound and eye-opening experience. In today’s episode Brenda brings listeners into an exploration of observing the eye contact of the participant during Equine-Assisted Services. These interactions with horses are known for their therapeutic benefits. Brenda provides listeners with strategies to enhance…

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10. Assessing Eye Contact Cues to Increase Effectiveness of Interventions 22:36

11M ago22:36

22:36

Effective communication is at the heart of successful interactions, whether you are a therapist, teacher, or anyone aiming to improve their relational skills. One often overlooked yet vital aspect of communication is eye contact. Understanding and recognizing eye contact patterns can significantly enhance your ability to connect with others, partic…

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9. Understanding Blink Rates: What Horses Teach Us About Stress and Therapy 19:28

12M ago19:28

19:28

Eye contact is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, conveying emotions, intentions, and levels of engagement. Various studies have explored its significance, revealing how direct gazes can establish trust, convey confidence, and facilitate deeper connections. In today’s episode Brenda continues her discussion on eye contact and how it appears…

1
8. Connecting Through Eye Contact: Play Therapy Interventions for Better Eye Contact 26:46

1y ago26:46

26:46

Eye contact plays a crucial role in communication and mental health. It can build connections, enhance understanding, and foster trust. However, making eye contact can be challenging for some individuals. In today’s episode, Brenda explores the importance of eye contact in therapy and shares practical interventions to help increase eye contact, dra…

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7. Unlocking the Importance of Eye Contact in Mental Health 25:48

1y ago25:48

25:48

Most of us would agree that eye contact is important. It's a fundamental aspect of communication, a silent language that conveys understanding, empathy, and connection. But how often do we truly think about its significance beyond the surface level? In today’s episode Brenda shines a spotlight on the often underestimated yet crucial element of huma…

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6. Navigating Life's Stages: Intervening with Projections Through Erikson's Developmental Model 46:40

1y ago46:40

46:40

In life we often find ourselves facing projections—visions of our future selves, our desires, fears, and aspirations. These projections can guide our actions and decisions, but they can also hinder our growth if left unexamined. Understanding and intervening with these projections is key to navigating the complexities of life's various stages. In t…

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5. Understanding Positive Projections: A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Them in Therapy for Adults 36:27

1y ago36:27

36:27

In today's episode, Brenda delves into the concept of projections. Projections, both positive and negative, play a significant role in our interactions, shaping our perceptions and relationships. Brenda guides listeners through the process of identifying positive projections, offering concrete examples and practical insights to integrate into your …

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4. Insights from Research: Exploring Human-Animal Behavior 38:38

1y ago38:38

38:38

In today’s episode, Brenda offers listeners a deeper insight into her research study, focusing on the behaviors she observed and scored, as well as the hypotheses she formulated and their unexpected outcomes. Listen in as she guides listeners through an overview of the behaviors and how she specifically chose them to be represented in her study. He…

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3. Exploring Attachment Theory: Understanding the Influence of Assessments and Human-Animal Connections 31:34

1y ago31:34

31:34

In today’s episode Brenda delves deeper into the setup of her study, shedding light on the profound influence of attachment theory and how it shaped her research. Join her as she uncovers the intricacies of two influential assessments in the field of attachment theory and explores their impact on her research study. Brenda begins by discussing the …

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2. Animal Assisted Therapy: Overview of a Research Study and Its Fundamentals 25:51

1+ y ago25:51

25:51

In today’s episode Brenda provides listeners with an insightful overview of her research project. She introduces the comprehensive journey through her own research beginning with the foundational aspects and progressing through the details of attachment theory, animal-assisted therapy, and the biological framework of empathy. Brenda provides listen…

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1. Introduction to Projections 24:34

1+ y ago24:34

24:34

This is part of a series of episodes about the psychological phenomena of projection. The series features multiple episodes on projections, including an episode that introduces the topic of projections, a research episode that explores what has been found with regard to projections, and what we still need to learn, and then there are episodes with …

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Brenda Murrow, Ph.D Podcasts

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